This copycat Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice recipe is a delicious and easy way to make your favorite Chipotle side dish at home. Cilantro and lime zest add a bright and refreshing flavor to this simple rice.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This is a copycat Chipotle cilantro lime rice instant pot recipe, and it's perfect for busy weeknights when you need something fast as a side dish. The vibrant combo of cilantro and lime gives this simple rice a bright and refreshing flavor.
- Tastes just like Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice.
- Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice is quick and easy to make.
- Versatile. Goes well with Asian and Latin themed meals, as well as any other grilled or broiled chicken, steak, or fish.
- Healthy. Low fat, low calorie.
- Affordable. Rice is so inexpensive, as well as the other ingredients.
This Cilantro Lime Rice also pairs perfectly with our Grilled Steak Salad with Feta, Broiled Swordfish Kabobs, or Instant Pot Cuban Black Beans.
Jump to:
- Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice Ingredients
- How To Make Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice
- Serving Suggestions
- Related Recipes
- Substitutions and Variations
- Equipment
- Storage and Reheating
- Tips For Success
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Some Other Recipes We Are Sure You Will Love
- 📖 Recipe
- Food Safety
Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice Ingredients
With just a few simple ingredients, you can have perfectly cooked rice with a bright and flavorful citrus twist in no time.
- Basmati rice - or any long grain rice.
- Water
- Salt
- Olive oil - or any vegetable oil.
- Lime zest - zest the lime first so that you get more juice out of the lime. Zesting the lime softens it up.
- Lime juice - Use fresh squeezed lime juice.
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How To Make Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice
This Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice recipe is a great option for busy weeknights because it is quick and easy to make. The rice cooks in just a few minutes in the Instant Pot, and the rest of the ingredients are simply added and stirred together.
Prepare The Rice
- Rinse the rice well before cooking. This will help to remove any excess starch and prevent the rice from becoming sticky.
- Add the rinsed rice, water, olive oil, and salt to the pressure cooker. Set the valve to pressure and the program button for "Rice". If you don't have a program for rice, set the pressure cooker for 3 minutes on High.
- Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before quick releasing any remaining pressure. This will help to prevent the rice from becoming mushy.
PRO TIP: It will take about 10 minutes for your Instant Pot to come to full pressure, and that is when the countdown for the 3 minute cooking time starts.
Season The Rice
- Remove the Instant Pot lid and transfer the rice to a large bowl. Add the chopped cilantro, lime juice, and lime zest.
Fluff The Rice
- Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the fresh chopped cilantro, lime juice, and lime zest. Garnish the rice with additional cilantro and lime wedges when serving.
Serving Suggestions
Cilantro lime rice is perfect for tacos, burritos, bowls, and salads. It is also a great side dish for grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp.
Next time you make this copycat Chipotle cilantro lime rice Instant Pot recipe, give one of these combos a try also – you won’t be disappointed! It's the perfect side dish for our Chile Relleno Burritos, Broiled Pineapple Swordfish Kabobs, or Birria Quesadillas.
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Related Recipes
Substitutions and Variations
Here are a few substitutions and variation for when you make this copycat Chipotle cilantro lime rice Instant Pot side dish:
- After fluffing and adding the lime juice & cilantro, mix in some black beans or corn for added color and flavor.
- Vegetable Broth - substitute vegetable broth for more depth of flavor than plain water.
- If using long grain brown rice instead of long grain white rice, increase the pressure cooking time by about 3 minutes.
- Stove Top Cilantro Lime Rice - Cook the basmati rice in a pot on the stove according to the directions on the label. Once it’s ready, toss with the oil, cilantro, lime zest, and salt.
Equipment
The Instant Pot is what makes this cilantro lime rice recipe so quick and easy. You will find many brands of pre-programmed pressure cookers. Choose one that is the size best suited for your needs and budget. Look for a pre-programmed settings that you will really use.
Storage and Reheating
- Cooked rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To freeze cooked rice, spread it out in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once the rice is frozen, transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat the rice in the microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or until warmed through. You may need to stir and add another 2 minutes if you're reheating a larger quantity.
Tips For Success
- Rinse the rice before cooking. This extra step will help to remove any excess starch and make the rice less sticky.
- Use fresh herbs. Cilantro and lime are the key ingredients in this recipe, so make sure to use fresh herbs for the best flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
es, you can make this recipe in a rice cooker. Simply follow the instructions at our Cilantro Lime Rice (Rice Cooker) recipe.
No problem. For each cup of rice, use 1 ¾ cups of water. Make your rice normally like you would on the stove top. Follow the instructions for our Steamed White Rice recipe. Add the cilantro, lime juice, and lime zest after the rice is cooked.
Yes, you can use bottled lime juice. However, the flavor may not be as strong as fresh lime juice.
Some Other Recipes We Are Sure You Will Love
📖 Recipe
Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice
Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati rice or any long grain rice, rinsed.
- 1 ½ cups water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 2 tablespoon lime juice freshly squeezed
- 1 tablespoon lime zest freshly zested
Instructions
- Rinse the rice well before cooking. This will help to remove any excess starch and prevent the rice from becoming sticky.
- Add the rinsed rice, water, olive oil, and salt to the pressure cooker. Set the valve to pressure and the program button for "Rice". If you don't have a program for rice, set the pressure cooker for 3 minutes on High.1 cup basmati rice, 1 ½ cups water, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt
- Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before quick releasing any remaining pressure. This will help to prevent the rice from becoming mushy.PRO TIP: It will take about 10 minutes for your Instant Pot to come to full pressure, and that is when the countdown for the 3 minute cooking time starts.
- Remove the Instant Pot lid and transfer the rice to a large bowl. Add the chopped cilantro, lime juice, and lime zest.2 tablespoon lime juice, 1 tablespoon lime zest, ¼ cup fresh cilantro
- Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the fresh chopped cilantro, lime juice, and lime zest. Garnish the rice with additional cilantro and lime wedges when serving.
Notes
- If you use brown long grain rice, set the cooking time to 18 minutes cook time.
- Zest the lime before juicing it. Save any left overs in your freezer for other recipes.
- Rinse the rice before cooking. This extra step will help to remove any excess starch and make the rice less sticky.
- Use fresh herbs. Cilantro and lime are the key ingredients in this recipe, so make sure to use fresh herbs for the best flavor.
Nutrition
Food Safety
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat.
- Wash hands after touching raw meat.
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.
- Never leave cooking food unattended.
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds.
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove.
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